Manchester City assistant manager David Platt believes David Silva is finally reaping the rewards for his performances after the Spaniard's double inspired a 2-0 win over Fulham.
Silva, who had only scored once in the league this season prior to the victory at Eastlands, was in clinical form against Martin Jol's side and the midfielder came within inches of claiming a hat-trick.
Despite his lofty reputation earned over the last two seasons in England, Silva has not found the net with great regularity and still only has 13 career Premier League goals to his name.
Platt, however, insisted that a lack of goals from Silva has never been a concern to the City coaching staff.
"With his performances over the past few months, perhaps all season, he deserves to have had a few more goals under his belt," Platt said.
"But we know how important he is, whether he is scoring goals or not scoring goals. I think it would be harsh to say goals have been lacking. He's in the team for all sorts of reasons, not just his goal-scoring ability. His performances of late have been deserving of more goals and I'm pleased for him that he's got two. He should have had a hat-trick."